Selective device coupling

ABSTRACT

Memory devices and other integrated circuit devices having a first capacitor and a second capacitor with an interposing selective isolation device, and methods of their operation. A selective isolation device is a device selectively in a state of conductance or non-conductance. When the selective isolation device is in a state of conductance, the first capacitor is coupled to the second capacitor. When the selective isolation device is in a state of non-conductance, the first capacitor is electrically isolated from the second capacitor. In memory devices, such parallel coupling of adjacent storage capacitors of adjacent memory cells is useful in increasing beta ratio and providing defect isolation. Such coupling of adjacent storage capacitors generally reduces the number of uniquely addressable memory cells.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to selective coupling ofsemiconductor devices and in particular to methods and facilitatingcircuitry to permit selective coupling of multiple storage cells toimprove memory device characteristics or circumvent memory devicedefects.

BACKGROUND

Many electronic systems include a memory device, such as a DynamicRandom Access Memory (DRAM), to store data. A typical DRAM includes anarray of memory cells. Each memory cell includes a storage capacitorthat stores the data in the cell and an access transistor that controlsaccess to the data. The charge stored across the capacitor isrepresentative of a data bit and is usually either a high voltage, logic1, or a low voltage, logic 0.

Data can be either stored in the memory cells during a write mode, ordata may be retrieved from the memory cells during a read mode. The datais transmitted on signal lines, referred to as digit lines, which arecoupled to input/output (I/O) lines through transistors used asswitching devices. Typically, for each bit of data stored, its truelogic state is available on an I/O line and its complementary logicstate is available on an I/O complement line. Thus, each such memorycell is associated with two digit lines, digit and digit complement.

Typically, the memory cells are arranged in an array and each cell hasan address identifying its location in the array. The array includes aconfiguration of intersecting conductive lines, and memory cells aregenerally associated with the intersections of the lines. In order toread from or write to a cell, the particular cell in question must beselected, or addressed. The address for the selected cell is representedby input signals to a word line or row decoder and to a digit line orcolumn decoder. The row decoder activates a word line in response to theword line address. The selected word line activates the accesstransistors for each of the memory cells in communication with theselected word line. The column decoder selects a digit line pair inresponse to the digit line address. For a read operation, the datacorresponding to the selected memory cell is sensed, and the data andits complement are each latched to one digit line of the digit linepair. The column decoder further selects the digit line containing thedata corresponding to the addressed memory cell for output.

The ability to sense the data stored in the storage capacitor is acritical operation of the memory device. This ability is a function ofthe sensitivity of the sense amplifiers to the potential differential,or cell margin, across the digit line pair. Increasing thesignal-to-noise ratio thus improves the reliability of the sensingoperation. Increasing the signal-to-noise ratio generally results fromthe increase in beta ratio, which is the ratio of the capacitance of thememory cell to the capacitance of the digit line. Increasing the betaratio is often accomplished by isolating one half of the digit line pairfrom the sense amplifier.

In addition to improving reliability of the sensing operation, increasesin beta ratio also permit lower power consumption in a memory device. Byincreasing the beta ratio, larger charge leakage is tolerable in thestorage capacitor without adversely affecting the sensing operation.This permits lower refresh rates and, thus, lower power consumption.

Devices having insufficient beta ratio or excessive charge leakage aregenerally unsuited for their intended uses. While many causes ofinsufficient beta ratio and excessive charge leakage may be curablethrough the use of redundant devices, as is well known in the art, somecauses may be global such that the redundant device also exhibitsinsufficient beta ratio or excessive charge leakage. Accordingly, thereis a need in the art for devices capable of modifying the ratio ofstorage capacitance to digit line capacitance, and methods of their use.

SUMMARY

For one embodiment, the invention includes an integrated circuit device.The integrated circuit device includes a first capacitor, a secondcapacitor, and a selective isolation device interposed between the firstcapacitor and the second capacitor.

For another embodiment, the invention includes an integrated circuitdevice. The integrated circuit device includes a first capacitor, asecond capacitor, and a selective isolation device interposed betweenthe first capacitor and the second capacitor, wherein the selectiveisolation device has a first state and a second state. The integratedcircuit device further includes a device driver coupled to the selectiveisolation device to selectively place the selective isolation device ina state selected from the group consisting of the first state and thesecond state. The first capacitor and the second capacitor areelectrically isolated when the selective isolation device is in thefirst state. The first capacitor and the second capacitor areelectrically coupled when the selective isolation device is in thesecond state.

For a further embodiment, the invention includes a memory device. Thememory device includes a first storage capacitor of a first memory cell,a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell, and a selectiveisolation device interposed between the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor.

For a still further embodiment, the invention includes a memory device.The memory device includes a first storage capacitor of a first memorycell, a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell, and aselective isolation device interposed between the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor, wherein the selectiveisolation device has a first state and a second state. The memory devicefurther includes a device driver coupled to the selective isolationdevice to selectively place the selective isolation device in a stateselected from the group consisting of the first state and the secondstate. The first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor areelectrically isolated when the selective isolation device is in thefirst state. The first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically coupled when the selective isolation deviceis in the second state.

For yet another embodiment, the invention includes a memory device. Thememory device includes a first storage capacitor of a first memory cell,a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell, a first digit line,and a second digit line. The memory device further includes a firstaccess transistor coupled to the first storage capacitor and the firstdigit line for selectively coupling the first storage capacitor to thefirst digit line, a second access transistor coupled to the secondstorage capacitor and the second digit line for selectively coupling thesecond storage capacitor to the second digit line, and a selectiveisolation device interposed between the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor, and having a first state and a second state.The first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor areelectrically isolated when the selective isolation device is in thefirst state. The first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically coupled when the selective isolation deviceis in the second state.

For one embodiment, the invention includes a method of operating amemory device. The method includes coupling a first storage capacitor ofa first memory cell to a second storage capacitor of a second memorycell. The method further includes coupling the first storage capacitorto a digit line while the first storage capacitor is coupled to thesecond storage capacitor.

For another embodiment, the invention includes a method of operating amemory device. The method includes coupling a first storage capacitor ofa first memory cell to a second storage capacitor of a second memorycell during a first period and coupling the first storage capacitor to adigit line during the first period. The method further includeselectrically isolating the first storage capacitor of the first memorycell from the second storage capacitor of the second memory cell duringa second period and coupling the first storage capacitor to the digitline during the second period.

For a further embodiment, the invention includes a method of operating amemory device. The method includes coupling a first storage capacitor ofa first memory cell to a second storage capacitor of a second memorycell during a first period and accessing the first memory cell duringthe first period. The method further includes electrically isolating thefirst storage capacitor of the first memory cell from the second storagecapacitor of the second memory cell during a second period and accessingthe first memory cell during the second period.

For yet another embodiment, the invention includes a method of operatinga memory device. The method includes coupling a first storage capacitorof a first memory cell to a second storage capacitor of a second memorycell, thereby forming a coupled capacitor pair. The method furtherincludes selecting an access path to the coupled capacitor pair, whereinthe access path is an access path coupled to the first storage capacitoror an access path coupled to the second storage capacitor, and couplingthe coupled capacitor pair to a digit line through the selected accesspath. For a further embodiment, selecting an access path includesresolving the address by ignoring the least significant bit of theaddress.

For one embodiment, the invention includes a method of operating amemory device. The method includes coupling a first storage capacitor ofa first memory cell to a second storage capacitor of a second memorycell during a first period, thereby forming a coupled capacitor pair.The method further includes selecting a first access path to the coupledcapacitor pair, wherein the first access path is an access path coupledto the first storage capacitor or an access path coupled to the secondstorage capacitor, and coupling the coupled capacitor pair to a digitline through the first access path during the first period. The methodstill further includes electrically isolating the first storagecapacitor of a first memory cell from the second storage capacitor ofthe second memory cell during a second period, selecting a second accesspath coupled to the first storage capacitor, and coupling the firststorage capacitor to the digit line through the second access pathduring the second period.

The invention further includes apparatus and methods of varying scope.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1B are a schematic of a portion of a dynamic memory device.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a memory device.

FIG. 3A is a schematic of a portion of a dynamic memory device havingtwo adjacent memory cells associated with a single digit line.

FIG. 3B is a schematic of a portion of a dynamic memory device havingtwo adjacent memory cells associated with different digit lines.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a portion of a dynamic memory device showingthe use of selective isolation devices to simultaneously couple adjacentstorage capacitors for multiple sets of storage capacitors.

FIG. 5A is a logic diagram for use in address resolution.

FIG. 5B is a logic diagram for use in address resolution.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a portion of a memory device.

FIG. 7 is an elevation view of a substrate containing semiconductordies.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a circuit module.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a memory module.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electronic system.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a memory system.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a computer system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof,and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments inwhich the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice theinvention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may beutilized and that process or mechanical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. The terms wafer andsubstrate used in the following description include any basesemiconductor structure. Both are to be understood as includingsilicon-on-sapphire (SOS) technology, silicon-on-insulator (SOI)technology, thin film transistor (TFT) technology, doped and undopedsemiconductors, epitaxial layers of a silicon supported by a basesemiconductor, as well as other semiconductor support structures wellknown to one skilled in the art. Furthermore, when reference is made toa wafer or substrate in the following description, previous processsteps may have been utilized to form regions/junctions in the basesemiconductor structure. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined only by the appended claims and equivalentsthereof.

FIGS. 1A-1B are a schematic of a portion of a dynamic memory device 100which stores digital information or data in an arrangement of memorycells 103. Memory cells 103 are representative of a portion of memorycells of an array or subarray. Each memory cell 103 comprises a storagecapacitor 107 capable of holding a charge and an access transistor 108for accessing the capacitor charge. It is noted that FIGS. 1A-1B are aschematic showing electrical connectivity of a dynamic memory deviceaccording to one embodiment and do not necessarily depict relativephysical location of device elements. The memory device 100 is adaptedfor selective device coupling as described in subsequent embodiments.

The charge is a voltage potential referred to as a data bit and istypified as having either a high voltage, logic 1, or a low voltage,logic 0. The data bit is amplified and latched to the digit 109 anddigit complement 110 lines by the N-sense amplifier 111 and P-senseamplifier 112. The digit line 109 and the digit complement line 110 forma digit line pair. The P-sense amplifier 112 pulls one digit line of thedigit line pair to a high potential, usually the supply potential,V_(CC), while the N-sense amplifier 111 pulls the remaining digit lineto a ground potential.

The operation of the memory device 100 will be described in relation toa standard access operation, specifically a standard read operation, tobetter describe the relationship of the various elements. The standardread operation will further be described with reference to a readrequest directed to memory cell 103 ₃. Read requests directed to othermemory cells of memory device 100 proceed in like fashion.

In a standard read operation of memory cell 103 ₃, the bottom portion ofthe digit line pair is isolated from the top portion by latching controlsignal ISOB low, thus transitioning isolation transistors 121 associatedwith ISOB to an off state. Digit line 109 ₁ and digit complement line110 ₁ are then equilibrated through equilibrate transistors 122associated with EQ_(T). As control signal EQ_(T) is brought low, theequilibrate transistors 122 are transitioned off, and memory cell 103 ₃is coupled to digit line 109 ₁ by activating the access transistor 108₃. Access transistor 108 ₃ is activated by bringing word line 130 ₃ highupon firing word line driver 140 ₃, thus coupling storage capacitor 107₃ to digit line 109 ₁.

The charge stored in storage capacitor 107 ₁ is shared with digit line109 ₁ such that the potential of digit line 109 ₁ is pulled up if thedata bit stored in storage capacitor 107 ₃ is a logic 1, or pulled downif the data bit stored in storage capacitor 107 ₃ is a logic 0. Thesense amplifiers then sense the differential, or cell margin, across thedigit line pair. Typically, due to relative sensitivities of NMOStransistors (not shown) of N-sense amplifiers, N-sense amplifier 111 ₁is fired or activated first to sense the differential and pull the digitline with the lower potential to ground. The P-sense amplifier 112 _(1T)is then fired to pull up the remaining digit line of the digit linepair, typically to V_(CC).

Upon sensing the data of memory cell 103 ₃, control signal CSEL ittransitioned high to couple digit line 109 ₁ and digit complement line110 ₁ to I/O line 114 and I/O complement line 115 respectively. Couplingthe digit line pair to the I/O line pair thus permits reading the datastored in the accessed memory cell across the I/O line pair.

The memory cells in a dynamic memory device, such as those describedwith reference to FIGS. 1A-1B, are typically placed in close proximityto adjacent memory cells in order to increase memory capacity for agiven area of a semiconductor die on which they are formed. Adjacentmemory cells generally use some form of isolation therebetween toinhibit charge leakage to neighboring cells. Common isolation techniquesinclude, for example, the formation of a field oxide or insulated trenchbetween adjacent storage capacitors. Another technique finding userecently involves interposing an active isolation device, such as afield effect transistor, between the adjacent storage capacitors, andholding the active isolation device in a state of non-conductance.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a memory device showingone example of the use of an active isolation device adapted as aselective isolation device, i.e., a device selectively in a state ofconductance or non-conductance. FIG. 2 depicts two adjacent storagecapacitors 107 with a selective isolation device 228 interposed betweenthe adjacent storage capacitors 107. Selective isolation device 228 isany device capable of selectively isolating or coupling the adjacentstorage capacitors 107, and is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2 to be afield effect transistor where a control voltage applied to the gate willdetermine conductance between the source and drain. The selectiveisolation device 228 has a first or deactivated state (non-conductance)such that adjacent storage capacitors 107 are electrically isolated, anda second or activated state (conductance) such that adjacent storagecapacitors 107 are electrically coupled, forming a coupled capacitorpair. An active isolation device will be deemed not to be a selectiveisolation device if the active isolation device is configured tomaintain a state of non-conductance during normal operation of theintegrated circuit device to which it pertains.

Selective isolation device 228 is shown to have the same construction asthe access transistors 108. While this facilitates formation ofselective isolation device 228 concurrently with the formation of theaccess transistors 108, such construction is not required. Commonconstructions might include a polysilicon layer 260, a conductor layer262, a dielectric cap layer 264 and insulative spacers 266. Theconductor layer may contain one or more conductive layers, such as arefractory metal silicide/conductive barrier/refractory metalconstruction. The dielectric cap layer 264 and insulative spacers 266are generally an insulating material, such as silicon oxide, siliconnitride or silicon oxynitride, and may include more than one insulatingmaterial.

In one embodiment, each storage capacitor 107 is a stacked containercapacitor as shown in FIG. 2, having a conductive bottom electrode 274,a dielectric layer 276 and a conductive top electrode 278. Othercapacitor types and constructions are suitable for use with theembodiments disclosed herein.

Each storage capacitor 107 is coupled to an access transistor 108through a conductive plug 246, generally a conductively-dopedpolysilicon, and a conductively-doped source/drain region 225 formed insubstrate 222. Each access transistor 108 is in turn coupled to a digitline 109/110 through a conductive plug 246 and a source/drain region 225formed in substrate 222. In one embodiment, the digit line 109/110 isshown to contain a conductively-doped polysilicon layer 250, a conductorlayer 252 and a dielectric cap layer 254. Other constructions aresuitable for use with the various embodiments disclosed herein. When aword line driver 140 (not shown in FIG. 2) activates an accesstransistor 108, digit line 109/110 is coupled to its associated storagecapacitor 107.

In the case where substrate 222 has a P-type conductivity andsource/drain regions 225 have an N-type conductivity, selectiveisolation device 228 provides electrical isolation relative to adjacentmemory cells when selective isolation device 228 is held to logic 0state, such as a ground potential or suitable negative voltage. In thecase where substrate 222 has an N-type conductivity and source/drainregions 225 have a P-type conductivity, selective isolation device 228provides electrical isolation relative to adjacent memory cells whenselective isolation device 228 is held to logic 1 state, such as supplypotential, V_(CC), or other suitable positive voltage.

Digit line 109/110 on the left side of FIG. 2 may be the same digit line109/110 as shown on the right side of FIG. 2. As an example, digit line109/110 on the left side may extend outside the plane of the drawing,run parallel to storage capacitors 107, and return to the plane of thedrawing at digit line 109/110 on the right side. Alternatively, digitline 109/110 on the left side of FIG. 2 may be distinct from digit line109/110 on the right side of FIG. 2. As an example, digit lines 109/110may both extend outside the plane of the drawing generally in parallelwith each other, such as orthogonal to the plane of the drawing. Thesetwo embodiments are shown schematically in FIGS. 3A-3B.

FIG. 3A depicts the schematic of an embodiment where digit line 109/110on the left side of FIG. 2 is the same digit line 109/110 on the rightside of FIG. 2. With reference back to FIGS. 1A-1B, the schematic ofFIG. 3A includes, as one example, storage capacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₃,access transistors 108 ₁ and 108 ₃, word lines 130 ₁ and 130 ₃, wordline drivers 140 ₁ and 140 ₃, and digit line 109 ₁. FIG. 3A furtherincludes a selective isolation device 228 and a device driver 380.Device driver 380 provides a control signal to selective isolationdevice 228 to determine its state. The control signal output of devicedriver 380 may be referred to herein as CPL. Device driver 380 may be alogic block to generate control signal CPL in response to one or moreinternal or external control signals, a fusible element generatingcontrol signal CPL in response to the state of the fusible element (suchas an anti-fuse in its programmed or unprogrammed state), or a pinproviding the control signal CPL in response to an externally-suppliedsignal.

With selective isolation device 228 in an inactive or off state, storagecapacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₃ are electrically isolated. Standardread/write operations can be performed on each cell individually asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. Upon driving the device driver380 to activate selective isolation device 228, i.e., placing selectiveisolation device 228 in an on state, storage capacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₃are electrically coupled to form a coupled capacitor pair. It can beseen in FIG. 3A that upon coupling storage capacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₃through selective isolation device 228, the coupled capacitor pair maybe coupled to digit line 109 ₁ by firing either word line driver 140 ₁,to couple the coupled capacitor pair through storage capacitor 107 ₁, orword line driver 140 ₃, to coupled the coupled capacitor pair throughstorage capacitor 107 ₃. Such alternative access paths permit defectisolation. As one example, if word line driver 140 ₁, word line 130 ₁ oraccess transistor 108 ₁ are defective, coupled storage capacitors 107 ₁and 107 ₃ could be accessed for read/write operations by using the wordline driver 140 ₃, word line 130 ₃ and access transistor 108 ₃. Whilethe foregoing embodiment was depicted using storage capacitors 107 ₁ and107 ₃ as examples, other combinations of storage capacitors with aninterposing selective isolation device are permissible.

FIG. 3B depicts the schematic of an embodiment where digit line 109/110on the left side of FIG. 2 is distinct from digit line 109/110 on theright side of FIG. 2. With reference back to FIGS. 1A-1B, the schematicof FIG. 3B includes, as one example, storage capacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₉,access transistors 108 ₁ and 108 ₉, word lines 130 ₁ and 130 ₉, wordline drivers 140 ₁ and 140 ₉, digit line 109 ₁ and digit line 109 ₂.FIG. 3B further includes a selective isolation device 228 and a devicedriver 380.

With selective isolation device 228 in an inactive or off state, storagecapacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₉ are electrically isolated. Standardread/write operations can be performed on each cell individually asdescribed with reference to FIGS. 1A-1B. Upon firing the device driver380 to activate selective isolation device 228, i.e., placing selectiveisolation device 228 in an on state, storage capacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₉are electrically coupled to form a coupled capacitor pair. It can beseen in FIG. 3B that upon coupling storage capacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₉through selective isolation device 228, the coupled capacitor pair maybe coupled to digit line 109 ₁ through storage capacitor 107 ₁ by firingword line driver 140 ₁. Alternatively, the coupled capacitor pair may becoupled to digit line 109 ₂ through storage capacitor 107 ₉ by firingword line driver 140 ₉. As with the previous embodiment, suchalternative access paths permit defect isolation. As one example, ifword line driver 140 ₁, word line 130 ₁ or access transistor 108 ₁ aredefective, coupled storage capacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₉ could be accessedfor read/write operations by using the word line driver 140 ₉, word line130 ₉ and access transistor 108 ₉. Furthermore, in this embodiment, theability to couple storage capacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₉ to either digitline 109 ₁ or 109 ₂ permits multiple read/write paths to the I/O lines.Accordingly, such embodiments further permit isolation of a defectivedigit line. While the foregoing embodiment was depicted using storagecapacitors 107 ₁ and 107 ₉ as examples, other combinations of storagecapacitors with an interposing selective isolation device arepermissible.

FIG. 4 is a schematic showing that the selective isolation devices canbe used to simultaneously couple adjacent storage capacitors formultiple sets of storage capacitors. As shown in FIG. 4, driving devicedriver 380 activates selective isolation devices 228 ₀, 228 ₁, . . . and228 _(n). This, in turn, couples adjacent storage capacitors 107_(a0)/107 _(b0), 107 _(a1),/107 _(b1), . . . and 107 _(an)/107 _(bn). InFIG. 4, the digit lines on the left side of the drawing may be the sameas or distinct from the digit lines on the right side of the drawings.For example, digit line 109 _(a0) may be the same as or distinct fromdigit line 109 _(b0).

As further shown in FIG. 4, driving word line driver 140 _(a) activatesaccess transistors 108 _(a0), 108 _(a1), . . . and 108 _(an) whiledriving word line driver 140 _(b) activates access transistors 108_(b0), 108 _(b1), . . . and 108 _(bn). Such scenarios are common,allowing access of multiple data bits substantially simultaneously. Inone embodiment, the address causing activation of word line driver 140_(a) differs from the address causing activation of word line driver 140_(b) by only one address bit. For example, in an 11-bit binary rowaddress, the left-most 10 address bits are identical for each address,while the right-most or least significant address bit is a 0 for oneaddress and a 1 for the other. While such differentiation offersconveniences for addressing the coupled storage capacitors, otherlocations for the distinguishing bit are permissible as well asdifferentiation involving more than one distinguishing address bit.

Using an addressing scenario where adjacent storage capacitors arecoupled to word lines whose addresses differ by one address bit, thesame signal controlling the activation of the selective isolationdevices can be used to select which word line will be used to couple theadjacent storage capacitors to their respective digit line. FIG. 5Ashows a logic diagram of one embodiment of a logic circuit 510 foraddress resolution. Logic circuit 510 of FIG. 5A passes the leastsignificant bit (LSB) when the control signal CPL is logic 0,representing electrical isolation of adjacent storage capacitors, andforces the LSB to logic 0 when control signal CPL is logic 1,representing electrical coupling of adjacent storage capacitors. Thelogic circuit 510 in FIG. 5A will output a logic 0 when control signalCPL is logic 1 regardless of whether the LSB input is logic 0 or logic1, or whether it is simply floating or not driven, thus substantiallyignoring the LSB of the memory cell address. Logic circuit 510 thusresolves the address to activate a predefined word line when CPL islogic 1, i.e., regardless of which of two addresses are input to logiccircuit 510, logic circuit 510 of FIG. 5A will lead to activation of theword line corresponding to the address whose LSB is logic 0.

FIG. 5B shows a logic diagram of another embodiment of a logic circuit510 for address resolution. Logic circuit 510 of FIG. 5B passes theleast significant bit (LSB) when the control signal CPL is logic 0,representing electrical isolation of adjacent storage capacitors, andforces the LSB to logic 1 when control signal CPL is logic 1,representing electrical coupling of adjacent storage capacitors. Thelogic circuit 510 in FIG. 5B will output a logic 1 when control signalCPL is logic 1 regardless of whether the LSB input is logic 0 or logic1, or whether it is simply floating or not driven, thus substantiallyignoring the LSB of the memory cell address. Logic circuit 510 thusresolves the address to activate a predefined word line when CPL islogic 1, i.e., regardless of which of two addresses are input to logiccircuit 510, logic circuit 510 of FIG. 5B will lead to activation of theword line corresponding to the address whose LSB is logic 1.

Alternatively, the LSB of the address can be used to select which wordline will be used to couple the adjacent storage capacitors to theirrespective digit line independent of the control signal CPL, i.e., theaddress is passed to the address decode circuitry unaltered. For each ofthe foregoing embodiments, addressing in the memory controller orprocessor accessing the memory device should be resolved such that aunique address is associated with each set of coupled storagecapacitors. One example of this resolution would be to drop the LSB inthe memory controller or processor, reducing the size of addressablememory by half, and thus not driving the LSB at the memory device.However, having a unique address for each set of coupled storagecapacitors is not required. The user may desire to have multipleaddresses, recognizing of course that each of the multiple addresseswill be associated with the same data bit.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a portion of a memory device 610used to illustrate one addressing scenario. Memory device 610 is adaptedto selectively couple adjacent storage capacitors. The memory device 610includes bank memory arrays 620 which contain memory cells organized inrows and columns for storing data. Bank memory arrays 620 are depictedas eight bank memory arrays, bank0 through Bank7. In memory device 610,each bank memory array 620 is organized internally as 2048 rows by 128columns by 72 bits. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatdifferent choices for the number of banks, rows and columns, and the bitwidth, are possible without altering the fundamental operation of thememory devices described herein.

Address sequencer 630 accepts a 21-bit address signal ADDR, generates avalue representing the address of the selected bank memory array 620 andlatches it in bank select 640. Address sequencer 630 further generates avalue representing a row address of the selected bank memory array 620and latches it in pre-decode 650. Address sequencer 630 still furthergenerates a value representing a column address and latches it in columnselect 660.

The row address from pre-decode 650 is provided to bank row selects 670.In addition, bank select 640 provides the latched bank address to bankrow selects 670. In response to the bank address and row address, bankrow selects 670 activate the desired row of the desired memory bank forprocessing, to thereby activate the corresponding row of memory cells.Bank row selects 670 generally have a one-to-one relationship with bankmemory arrays 620.

In the memory device 610 of FIG. 6, column select 660 activates 72 ofthe 128×72 (number of columns×bit width) lines provided to senseamplifiers and I/O gating circuit 680, the number of lines activatedcorresponding to the bit width of the device. The activated lines arethen provided to the I/O lines.

By applying the logic circuit 510 of FIG. 5A or 5B to the LSB input topre-decode 650, the LSB of the row address can be ignored as describedabove, and the output of the logic circuit 510 provides selection of thepredefined access path to the coupled storage capacitors.

By activating the selective isolation device between each pair ofstorage capacitors in a memory device, the size of the memory device iseffectively reduced by half, i.e., the number of uniquely addressablememory cells is reduced to approximately half of the original number ofaddressable memory cells. In addition, the storage capacitance of eachmemory cell is effectively doubled in that the capacitors are coupled inparallel. Exceptions are made at the periphery if there are no adjacentstorage capacitor to couple to. However, placement of redundant memorycells at the periphery can provide the adjacent storage capacitors.

While activation of selective isolation devices between each pair ofstorage capacitors as described above has certain advantages regardingthe addressing of memory cells, there is no requirement for such globalactivation. With addressing scenarios capable of individually addressinga row of memory cells, or even an individual memory cell, selectivecoupling of individual rows or individual memory cells is made possible.

As described herein, selective coupling of adjacent storage capacitorscan increase the beta ratio of a memory location, albeit typically at areduction in memory size. Increases in beta ratio may be used to improvedevice reliability or to enhance certain performance characteristics.The techniques of selective coupling of adjacent storage capacitors mayalso be used for defect isolation as described earlier.

The selective coupling may be dynamic or user-definable, i.e., couplingadjacent storage capacitors during a first period in response to acontrol signal in a first state, and electrically isolating them duringa second period in response to the control signal in a second state. Theselective coupling may be static, i.e., the selective isolation devicemay be permanently latched in the activated state. Such static selectivecoupling may involve techniques such as connecting the gate of theselective isolation device to a control potential through a programmableanti-fuse.

It will be understood that the above description of a dynamic randomaccess memory (DRAM) is not a complete description of all the elementsand features of a DRAM. The various embodiments of the invention areequally applicable to any size and type of memory circuit and is notintended to be limited to the DRAM described above. As examples, theDRAM could be a synchronous DRAM commonly referred to as SGRAM(Synchronous Graphics Random Access Memory), SDRAM (Synchronous DynamicRandom Access Memory), SDRAM II, and DDR SDRAM (Double Data Rate SDRAM),as well as Synchlink or Rambus DRAMs. Furthermore, the variousembodiments of the invention can be utilized in integrated circuitdevices other than a DRAM, where adjacent semiconductor devices of thesame type, such as adjacent capacitors, are separated by an interposingselective isolation device.

As recognized by those skilled in the art, memory devices of the typedescribed herein are generally fabricated as an integrated circuitcontaining a variety of semiconductor devices. The integrated circuit issupported by a substrate. Integrated circuits are typically repeatedmultiple times on each substrate. The substrate is further processed toseparate the integrated circuits into dies as is well known in the art.

Semiconductor Dies

With reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, a semiconductor die 710 isproduced from a silicon wafer 700. A die is an individual pattern,typically rectangular, on a substrate that contains circuitry, orintegrated circuit devices, to perform a specific function. For oneembodiment, the integrated circuit devices of the die 710 contain atleast one memory device adapted for selective coupling of adjacentstorage capacitors. For another embodiment, the at least one integratedcircuit device of die 710 contains adjacent semiconductor devices of thesame type, such as adjacent capacitors, separated by an interposingselective isolation device. A semiconductor wafer will typically containa repeated pattern of such dies containing the same functionality. Die710 may further contain additional circuitry to extend to such complexdevices as a monolithic processor with multiple functionality. Die 710is typically packaged in a protective casing (not shown) with leadsextending therefrom (not shown) providing access to the circuitry of thedie for unilateral or bilateral communication and control.

Circuit Modules

As shown in FIG. 8, two or more dies 710 may be combined, with orwithout protective casing, into a circuit module 800 to enhance orextend the functionality of an individual die 710. Circuit module 800may be a combination of dies 710 representing a variety of functions, ora combination of dies 710 containing the same functionality. Someexamples of a circuit module include memory modules, device drivers,power modules, communication modems, processor modules andapplication-specific modules and may include multilayer, multichipmodules. Circuit module 800 may be a subcomponent of a variety ofelectronic systems, such as a clock, a television, a cell phone, apersonal computer, an automobile, an industrial control system, anaircraft and others. Circuit module 800 will have a variety of leads 810extending therefrom and coupled to the dies 710 providing unilateral orbilateral communication and control.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of a circuit module as memory module 900.Memory module 900 generally depicts a Single Inline Memory Module (SIMM)or Dual Inline Memory Module (DIMM). A SIMM or DIMM is generally aprinted circuit board (PCB) or other support containing a series ofmemory devices. While a SIMM will have a single in-line set of contactsor leads, a DIMM will have a set of leads on each side of the supportwith each set representing separate I/O signals. Memory module 900contains multiple memory devices 910 contained on support 915, thenumber depending upon the desired bus width and the desire for parity.Memory module 900 may contain memory devices 910 on both sides ofsupport 915. Memory module 900 accepts a command signal from an externalcontroller (not shown) on a command link 920 and provides for data inputand data output on data links 930. The command link 920 and data links930 are connected to leads 940 extending from the support 915. Leads 940are shown for conceptual purposes and are not limited to the positionsshown in FIG. 9.

Electronic Systems

FIG. 10 shows an electronic system 1000 containing one or more circuitmodules 800. Electronic system 1000 generally contains a user interface1010. User interface 1010 provides a user of the electronic system 1000with some form of control or observation of the results of theelectronic system 1000. Some examples of user interface 1010 include thekeyboard, pointing device, monitor and printer of a personal computer;the tuning dial, display and speakers of a radio; the ignition switchand gas pedal of an automobile; and the card reader, keypad, display andcurrency dispenser of an automated teller machine. User interface 1010may further describe access ports provided to electronic system 1000.Access ports are used to connect an electronic system to the moretangible user interface components previously exemplified. One or moreof the circuit modules 800 may be a processor providing some form ofmanipulation, control or direction of inputs from or outputs to userinterface 1010, or of other information either preprogrammed into, orotherwise provided to, electronic system 1000. As will be apparent fromthe lists of examples previously given, electronic system 1000 willoften contain certain mechanical components (not shown) in addition tocircuit modules 800 and user interface 1010. It will be appreciated thatthe one or more circuit modules 800 in electronic system 1000 can bereplaced by a single integrated circuit. Furthermore, electronic system1000 may be a subcomponent of a larger electronic system.

FIG. 11 shows one embodiment of an electronic system as memory system1100. Memory system 1100 contains one or more memory modules 900 and amemory controller 1110. Memory controller 1110 provides and controls abidirectional interface between memory system 1100 and an externalsystem bus 1120. Memory system 1100 accepts a command signal from theexternal bus 1120 and relays it to the one or more memory modules 900 ona command link 1130. Memory system 1100 provides for data input and dataoutput between the one or more memory modules 900 and external systembus 1120 on data links 1140.

FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment of an electronic system as a computersystem 1200. Computer system 1200 contains a processor 1210 and a memorysystem 1100 housed in a computer unit 1205. Computer system 1200 is butone example of an electronic system containing another electronicsystem, i.e., memory system 1100, as a subcomponent. Computer system1200 optionally contains user interface components. Depicted in FIG. 12are a keyboard 1220, a pointing device 1230, a monitor 1240, a printer1250 and a bulk storage device 1260. It will be appreciated that othercomponents are often associated with computer system 1200 such asmodems, device driver cards, additional storage devices, etc. It willfurther be appreciated that the processor 1210 and memory system 1100 ofcomputer system 1200 can be incorporated on a single integrated circuit.Such single package processing units reduce the communication timebetween the processor and the memory circuit.

Conclusion

Memory devices and other integrated circuit devices having a firstcapacitor and a second capacitor with an interposing selective isolationdevice have been described. Furthermore, methods of operation of suchdevices have also been described. A selective isolation device is adevice selectively in a state of conductance or non-conductance. Whenthe selective isolation device is in a state of conductance, the firstcapacitor is coupled to the second capacitor. When the selectiveisolation device is in a state of non-conductance, the first capacitoris electrically isolated from the second capacitor. In memory devices,such parallel coupling of adjacent storage capacitors of adjacent memorycells is useful in increasing beta ratio and providing defect isolation.Such coupling of adjacent storage capacitors generally reduces thenumber of uniquely addressable memory cells.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement which is calculated to achieve the same purpose maybe substituted for the specific embodiments shown. Many adaptations ofthe invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.For example, other signals or combinations of signals may be utilized inplace of the signals described in the example embodiments, andalternative logic diagrams may be incorporated at the designer'sdiscretion. Accordingly, this application is intended to cover anyadaptations or variations of the invention. It is manifestly intendedthat this invention be limited only by the following claims andequivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory device, comprising: a first storagecapacitor of a first memory cell; a second storage capacitor of a secondmemory cell; a selective isolation device interposed between the firststorage capacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having a firststate and a second state; and a device driver coupled to the selectiveisolation device to selectively place the selective isolation device ina state selected from the group consisting of the first state and thesecond state; wherein the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically isolated when the selective isolation deviceis in the first state; and wherein the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the selectiveisolation device is in the second state.
 2. A memory device, comprising:a first storage capacitor of a first memory cell; a second storagecapacitor of a second memory cell; a digit line; a first accesstransistor coupled to the first storage capacitor and the digit line forselectively coupling the first storage capacitor to the digit line; asecond access transistor coupled to the second storage capacitor and thedigit line for selectively coupling the second storage capacitor to thedigit line; a selective isolation device interposed between the firststorage capacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having a firststate and a second state; wherein the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor are electrically isolated when the selectiveisolation device is in the first state and the first storage capacitorand the second storage capacitor are electrically coupled when theselective isolation device is in the second state.
 3. A memory device,comprising: a first storage capacitor of a first memory cell; a secondstorage capacitor of a second memory cell; a first digit line; a seconddigit line; a first access transistor coupled to the first storagecapacitor and the first digit line for selectively coupling the firststorage capacitor to the first digit line; a second access transistorcoupled to the second storage capacitor and the second digit line forselectively coupling the second storage capacitor to the second digitline; a selective isolation device interposed between the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having a first state anda second state; wherein the first storage capacitor and the secondstorage capacitor are electrically isolated when the selective isolationdevice is in the first state and the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the selectiveisolation device is in the second state.
 4. A memory device, comprising:a first storage capacitor of a first memory cell; a second storagecapacitor of a second memory cell; a digit line; a first accesstransistor coupled to the first storage capacitor and the digit line forselectively coupling the first storage capacitor to the digit line; asecond access transistor coupled to the second storage capacitor and thedigit line for selectively coupling the second storage capacitor to thedigit line; a third transistor interposed between the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having an activatedstate and a deactivated state; wherein the first storage capacitor andthe second storage capacitor are electrically isolated when the thirdtransistor is in the deactivated state and the first storage capacitorand the second storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the thirdtransistor is in the activated state.
 5. A memory device, comprising: afirst storage capacitor of a first memory cell; a second storagecapacitor of a second memory cell; a first digit line; a second digitline; a first access transistor coupled to the first storage capacitorand the first digit line for selectively coupling the first storagecapacitor to the first digit line; a second access transistor coupled tothe second storage capacitor and the second digit line for selectivelycoupling the second storage capacitor to the second digit line; a thirdtransistor interposed between the first storage capacitor and the secondstorage capacitor, and having an activated state and a deactivatedstate; wherein the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically isolated when the third transistor is in thedeactivated state and the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically coupled when the third transistor is in theactivated state.
 6. An integrated circuit device, comprising: a firstcapacitor; a second capacitor; a selective isolation device interposedbetween the first capacitor and the second capacitor, and having a firststate and a second state; and a device driver coupled to the selectiveisolation device to selectively place the selective isolation device ina state selected from the group consisting of the first state and thesecond state; wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor areelectrically isolated when the selective isolation device is in thefirst state; and wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitorare electrically coupled when the selective isolation device is in thesecond state.
 7. A semiconductor die, comprising: an integrated circuitsupported by a substrate and having a plurality of integrated circuitdevices, wherein at least one of the plurality of integrated circuitdevices comprises: a first capacitor; a second capacitor; a selectiveisolation device interposed between the first capacitor and the secondcapacitor, and having a first state and a second state; and a devicedriver coupled to the selective isolation device to selectively placethe selective isolation device in a state selected from the groupconsisting of the first state and the second state; wherein the firstcapacitor and the second capacitor are electrically isolated when theselective isolation device is in the first state; and wherein the firstcapacitor and the second capacitor are electrically coupled when theselective isolation device is in the second state.
 8. A semiconductordie, comprising: an integrated circuit supported by a substrate andhaving a plurality of integrated circuit devices, wherein at least oneof the plurality of integrated circuit devices is a memory devicecomprising: a first storage capacitor of a first memory cell; a secondstorage capacitor of a second memory cell; a selective isolation deviceinterposed between the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor; wherein the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically isolated when the selective isolation deviceis in the first state; and wherein the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the selectiveisolation device is in the second state.
 9. A semiconductor die,comprising: an integrated circuit supported by a substrate and having aplurality of integrated circuit devices, wherein at least one of theplurality of integrated circuit devices is a memory device comprising: afirst storage capacitor of a first memory cell; a second storagecapacitor of a second memory cell; a selective isolation deviceinterposed between the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor, and having a first state and a second state; and a devicedriver coupled to the selective isolation device to selectively placethe selective isolation device in a state selected from the groupconsisting of the first state and the second state; wherein the firststorage capacitor and the second storage capacitor are electricallyisolated when the selective isolation device is in the first state; andwherein the first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor areelectrically coupled when the selective isolation device is in thesecond state.
 10. A semiconductor die, comprising: an integrated circuitsupported by a substrate and having a plurality of integrated circuitdevices, wherein at least one of the plurality of integrated circuitdevices is a memory device comprising: a first storage capacitor of afirst memory cell; a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell; afirst digit line; a second digit line; a first access transistor coupledto the first storage capacitor and the first digit line for selectivelycoupling the first storage capacitor to the first digit line; a secondaccess transistor coupled to the second storage capacitor and the seconddigit line for selectively coupling the second storage capacitor to thesecond digit line; a selective isolation device interposed between thefirst storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having afirst state and a second state; wherein the first storage capacitor andthe second storage capacitor are electrically isolated when theselective isolation device is in the first state and the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor are electrically coupled whenthe selective isolation device is in the second state.
 11. Thesemiconductor die of claim 10, wherein the first digit line and thesecond digit line are the same digit line.
 12. A memory module,comprising: a support; a plurality of leads extending from the support;a command link coupled to at least one of the plurality of leads; aplurality of data links, wherein each data link is coupled to at leastone of the plurality of leads; and at least one memory device containedon the support and coupled to the command link, wherein the at least onememory device comprises: a first storage capacitor of a first memorycell; a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell; a selectiveisolation device interposed between the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor; wherein the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor are electrically isolated when the selectiveisolation device is in the first state; and wherein the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor are electrically coupled whenthe selective isolation device is in the second state.
 13. A memorymodule, comprising: a support; a plurality of leads extending from thesupport; a command link coupled to at least one of the plurality ofleads; a plurality of data links, wherein each data link is coupled toat least one of the plurality of leads; and at least one memory devicecontained on the support and coupled to the command link, wherein the atleast one memory device comprises: a first storage capacitor of a firstmemory cell; a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell; aselective isolation device interposed between the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having a first state anda second state; and a device driver coupled to the selective isolationdevice to selectively place the selective isolation device in a stateselected from the group consisting of the first state and the secondstate; wherein the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically isolated when the selective isolation deviceis in the first state; and wherein the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the selectiveisolation device is in the second state.
 14. A memory module,comprising: a support; a plurality of leads extending from the support;a command link coupled to at least one of the plurality of leads; aplurality of data links, wherein each data link is coupled to at leastone of the plurality of leads; and at least one memory device containedon the support and coupled to the command link, wherein the at least onememory device comprises: a first storage capacitor of a first memorycell; a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell; a first digitline; a second digit line; a first access transistor coupled to thefirst storage capacitor and the first digit line for selectivelycoupling the first storage capacitor to the first digit line; a secondaccess transistor coupled to the second storage capacitor and the seconddigit line for selectively coupling the second storage capacitor to thesecond digit line; a selective isolation device interposed between thefirst storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having afirst state and a second state; wherein the first storage capacitor andthe second storage capacitor are electrically isolated when theselective isolation device is in the first state and the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor are electrically coupled whenthe selective isolation device is in the second state.
 15. The memorymodule of claim 14, wherein the first digit line and the second digitline are the same digit line.
 16. A memory module, comprising: asupport; a plurality of leads extending from the support; a command linkcoupled to at least one of the plurality of leads; a plurality of datalinks, wherein each data link is coupled to at least one of theplurality of leads; and at least one memory device contained on thesupport and coupled to the command link, wherein the at least one memorydevice comprises: a first storage capacitor of a first memory cell; asecond storage capacitor of a second memory cell; a first digit line; asecond digit line; a first access transistor coupled to the firststorage capacitor and the first digit line for selectively coupling thefirst storage capacitor to the first digit line; a second accesstransistor coupled to the second storage capacitor and the second digitline for selectively coupling the second storage capacitor to the seconddigit line; a third transistor interposed between the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having an activatedstate and a deactivated state; wherein the first storage capacitor andthe second storage capacitor are electrically isolated when the thirdtransistor is in the deactivated state and the first storage capacitorand the second storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the thirdtransistor is in the activated state.
 17. The memory module of claim 16,wherein the first digit line and the second digit line are the samedigit line.
 18. A memory system, comprising: a controller; a commandlink coupled to the controller; a data link coupled to the controller;and a memory device coupled to the command link and the data link,wherein the memory device comprises: a first storage capacitor of afirst memory cell; a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell; aselective isolation device interposed between the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having a first state anda second state; and a device driver coupled to the selective isolationdevice to selectively place the selective isolation device in a stateselected from the group consisting of the first state and the secondstate; wherein the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically isolated when the selective isolation deviceis in the first state; and wherein the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the selectiveisolation device is in the second state.
 19. A memory system,comprising: a controller; a command link coupled to the controller; adata link coupled to the controller; and a memory device coupled to thecommand link and the data link, wherein the memory device comprises: afirst storage capacitor of a first memory cell; a second storagecapacitor of a second memory cell; a first digit line; a second digitline; a first access transistor coupled to the first storage capacitorand the first digit line for selectively coupling the first storagecapacitor to the first digit line; a second access transistor coupled tothe second storage capacitor and the second digit line for selectivelycoupling the second storage capacitor to the second digit line; aselective isolation device interposed between the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having a first state anda second state; wherein the first storage capacitor and the secondstorage capacitor are electrically isolated when the selective isolationdevice is in the first state and the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the selectiveisolation device is in the second state.
 20. The memory system of claim19, wherein the first digit line and the second digit line are the samedigit line.
 21. A memory system, comprising: a controller; a commandlink coupled to the controller; a data link coupled to the controller;and a memory device coupled to the command link and the data link,wherein the memory device comprises: a first storage capacitor of afirst memory cell; a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell; afirst digit line; a second digit line; a first access transistor coupledto the first storage capacitor and the first digit line for selectivelycoupling the first storage capacitor to the first digit line; a secondaccess transistor coupled to the second storage capacitor and the seconddigit line for selectively coupling the second storage capacitor to thesecond digit line; a third transistor interposed between the firststorage capacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having anactivated state and a deactivated state; wherein the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor are electrically isolatedwhen the third transistor is in the deactivated state and the firststorage capacitor and the second storage capacitor are electricallycoupled when the third transistor is in the activated state.
 22. Thememory system of claim 21, wherein the first digit line and the seconddigit line are the same digit line.
 23. A memory system, comprising: acontroller; a command link coupled to the controller; a data linkcoupled to the controller; and a memory device coupled to the commandlink and the data link, wherein the memory device comprises: a firststorage capacitor of a first memory cell; a second storage capacitor ofa second memory cell; an activated transistor interposed between thefirst storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor; wherein thefirst storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor areelectrically isolated when the selective isolation device is in thefirst state; and wherein the first storage capacitor and the secondstorage capacitor are electrically coupled when the selective isolationdevice is in the second state.
 24. An electronic system, comprising: aprocessor; and a circuit module having a plurality of leads coupled tothe processor, and further having a semiconductor die coupled to theplurality of leads, wherein the semiconductor die comprises anintegrated circuit supported by a substrate and having a plurality ofintegrated circuit devices, wherein at least one of the plurality ofintegrated circuit devices comprises: a first capacitor; a secondcapacitor; a selective isolation device interposed between the firstcapacitor and the second capacitor, and having a first state and asecond state; and a device driver coupled to the selective isolationdevice to selectively place the selective isolation device in a stateselected from the group consisting of the first state and the secondstate; wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitor areelectrically isolated when the selective isolation device is in thefirst state; and wherein the first capacitor and the second capacitorare electrically coupled when the selective isolation device is in thesecond state.
 25. An electronic system, comprising: a processor; and acircuit module having a plurality of leads coupled to the processor, andfurther having a semiconductor die coupled to the plurality of leads,wherein the semiconductor die comprises an integrated circuit supportedby a substrate and having a plurality of integrated circuit devices,wherein at least one of the plurality of integrated circuit devices is amemory device comprising: a first storage capacitor of a first memorycell; a second storage capacitor of a second memory cell; a selectiveisolation device interposed between the first storage capacitor and thesecond storage capacitor, and having a first state and a second state;and a device driver coupled to the selective isolation device toselectively place the selective isolation device in a state selectedfrom the group consisting of the first state and the second state;wherein the first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor areelectrically isolated when the selective isolation device is in thefirst state; and wherein the first storage capacitor and the secondstorage capacitor are electrically coupled when the selective isolationdevice is in the second state.
 26. An electronic system, comprising: aprocessor; and a circuit module having a plurality of leads coupled tothe processor, and further having a semiconductor die coupled to theplurality of leads, wherein the semiconductor die comprises anintegrated circuit supported by a substrate and having a plurality ofintegrated circuit devices, wherein at least one of the plurality ofintegrated circuit devices is a memory device comprising: a firststorage capacitor of a first memory cell; a second storage capacitor ofa second memory cell; a first digit line; a second digit line; a firstaccess transistor coupled to the first storage capacitor and the firstdigit line for selectively coupling the first storage capacitor to thefirst digit line; a second access transistor coupled to the secondstorage capacitor and the second digit line for selectively coupling thesecond storage capacitor to the second digit line; a selective isolationdevice interposed between the first storage capacitor and the secondstorage capacitor, and having a first state and a second state; whereinthe first storage capacitor and the second storage capacitor areelectrically isolated when the selective isolation device is in thefirst state and the first storage capacitor and the second storagecapacitor are electrically coupled when the selective isolation deviceis in the second state.
 27. The electronic system of claim 26, whereinthe first digit line and the second digit line are the same digit line.28. An electronic system, comprising: a processor; and a circuit modulehaving a plurality of leads coupled to the processor, and further havinga semiconductor die coupled to the plurality of leads, wherein thesemiconductor die comprises an integrated circuit supported by asubstrate and having a plurality of integrated circuit devices, whereinat least one of the plurality of integrated circuit devices is a memorydevice comprising: a first storage capacitor of a first memory cell; asecond storage capacitor of a second memory cell; a first digit line; asecond digit line; a first access transistor coupled to the firststorage capacitor and the first digit line for selectively coupling thefirst storage capacitor to the first digit line; a second accesstransistor coupled to the second storage capacitor and the second digitline for selectively coupling the second storage capacitor to the seconddigit line; a third transistor interposed between the first storagecapacitor and the second storage capacitor, and having an activatedstate and a deactivated state; wherein the first storage capacitor andthe second storage capacitor are electrically isolated when the thirdtransistor is in the deactivated state and the first storage capacitorand the second storage capacitor are electrically coupled when the thirdtransistor is in the activated state.
 29. The electronic system of claim28, wherein the first digit line and the second digit line are the samedigit line.